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By Heather Crews
Public Information Officer
The N. C. Department of Labor recently
formalized a partnership with Carowinds
as part of its continuing efforts to promote
rider safety at fairs and theme parks across
the state.
Carowinds now joins Ghost Town in the
Sky and Wet ’ n Wild Emerald Pointe as the
only permanent theme parks in North
Carolina participating in the NCDOL rider
safety program.
“ The safety of our employees and guests
is our top priority at Carowinds,” said
Carowinds general manager John Shanrock.
“ We’re very happy to be able to partner with
NCDOL to reinforce our ride guidelines so
that visitors can safely and responsibly
enjoy the attractions at our park.”
As part of the agreement, Carowinds will post rider safety
tip signs throughout the park and pass out safety tip book-marks
to park patrons. NCDOL also participated in Education
Days— a series of days where school groups come to the
park— and distributed bookmarks to schoolchildren, teachers
and parents.
Carowinds, which lies on a 108- acre plot along the border
of North Carolina and South Carolina, features 49 amusement
rides. Inspectors with the NCDOL Elevator and Amusement
Device Bureau check the rides in North Carolina yearly for
mechanical and structural integrity. The bureau also conducts
operational inspections about once a month to ensure ride
operators are following correct procedures.
The leading cause of ride accidents is rider misconduct, an
area unregulated by NCDOL. However, because the depart-ment
is concerned about ride accidents,
NCDOL started the rider safety program
three years ago to heighten safety awareness
and reduce injuries caused by rider error.
“ Our rider safety program has been a
big success since it was launched three
years ago,” said Jonathan Brooks, chief of
the Elevator and Amusement Device
Bureau. “ Carowinds is a large theme park,
and I think participating in the program will
really increase safety awareness among
park visitors.”
Park visitors should review the following
safety tips before enjoying the rides.
Keep long hair tied back or put up
before boarding.
Do not sit, stand or climb on handrails
or fences.
Walk. Do not run through the park.
Obey all warning signs and instructions before boarding.
Remain seated with hands, arms and feet inside at all
times while riding.
Check for proper height before boarding.
Ensure a responsible person is riding with children
wherever required.
Check that your seat restraints are properly secured.
Keep an eye on younger children at all times and do not
leave them unattended.
If you have any questions, ask a ride operator before
boarding.
Have a planned place to meet if you become separated
from your party. Tell your children to find a security
officer or park employee if they cannot find you.
NC Labor
Carowinds Joins Rider Safety Program
LEDGER May/ June 2007
Students enjoy a ride on The Hurler at Carowinds
as part of Education Days. The labor department
provided safety information to park patrons as part
of its efforts to increase awareness of rider safety.
Pocket- size Safety Quick Cards
are now available on a variety of topics!
Contact our Education, Training and Technical Assistance Bureau
at ( 919) 807- 2875 to order yours.
Inside this edition:
Construction Workers Receive Safety Training page 3
Workplace Worries page 4
Deadly Mistakes page 4
Wilmington Safety School Scheduled in July page 5
Lack of Maintenance Causes Air Tank Failure page 5
Bulletin Board page 6
2
From
Commissioner
Cherie Berry
Cherie Berry
Commissioner
Editor .......................................... Heather Crews
Layout and Design ............................ Jeff Wilson
Publications Bureau Chief ............ Mike Daniels
1101 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699- 1101
1- 800- 625- 2267 • www. nclabor. com
Recognition Roundup is a new column that recognizes businesses
that qualify for one of the N. C. Department of Labor recognition
programs. Congratulations to all of the award recipients during
March and April.
Recognition Roundup
Warm weather is finally here. I know we are all looking
forward to the pool, beach and cookouts this summer.
But while I’m excited about the fun summer activities,
I am also thinking about the workers who will be out
working in the heat. It’s not just farm workers, but
construction and manufacturing workers who are going
to be working in high temperatures this summer.
Seven workers died in the past two years from heat
stress. I don’t want another worker to die this year.
Heat stress is preventable if you know what to look for.
I encourage every worker and employer to go to our Web
site, www. nclabor. com, and read about the symptoms of
heat stress. If you are familiar with the symptoms, you will
know how to respond quickly and hopefully save a life.
We have a poster on the site in English and Spanish
that details the symptoms and what to do if someone is
suffering from heat stress. We also have an industry
guide, A Guide to Preventing Heat Stress, available on
the Publications page.
Two NCDOL bureaus— Agricultural Safety and Health
and Education, Training and Technical Assistance— can
help you with questions or training. Give them a call at
1- 800- 625- 2267 if you need assistance. They will be
more than glad to help.
Carolina Star Award
Louisiana Pacific Corp.— Roaring River Hardboard
Plant, Roaring River
Rising Star Award
Eaton Corp., Arden
Preformed Line Products Co., Albemarle
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition
Program ( SHARP) Award
Unilin Flooring, Thomasville
Morton Metalcraft of N. C., Apex
Unilin Flooring, Denton
You can view online the
policies and procedures the
NCDOLOccupational Safety and
Health Division uses to conduct
its work— from how companies
are picked for inspections to how
penalties are decided. These documents— called the Field
Information System— are developed by North Carolina labor officials
or federal employees for use in North Carolina workplaces.
If you’ve ever wondered about the specifics of OSH activities,
visit www. nclabor. com/ osha/ compliance/ manuals. htm. There you
will find the Operational Procedure Notices ( OPN), which are state-specific
procedures. These documents provide OSH internal policies
and work practice instructions. OPNs now focus on special emphasis
programs, such as construction and long- term care, or temporary
operating procedures. You also will find the Field Operations
Manual ( FOM), which contains permanent operating procedures.
Enjoy a safe
and relaxing summer!
By Dolores Quesenberry
Marketing Director
Hundreds of construction workers in Catawba and
Mecklenburg counties received hands- on safety training
recently as part of the labor department’s initiative to train
construction workers on site.
In Hickory, labor officials worked with the Catawba
County Building Services Division and the Hickory-
Catawba Valley Home Builders Association to bring together
about 50 local construction workers for safety training.
“ I had read about the mobile training unit, and thought it
would be an interesting way to bring construction workers
together for safety training,” said Armin Wallner, chief
building official for Catawba County Building Services. “ I
saw a need in our area for specific training on excavations
for basements because most of the homes in this area
include them. Based on my observations, most of the
builders were not meeting the OSHA standard for this type
of excavation.”
Before calling the Department of Labor, Wallner contacted
Darlene Saunders, executive officer for the Hickory–
Catawba Valley Home Builders Association, to ask if she
would be willing to collaborate with him on this training
initiative.
Saunders agreed to get involved despite knowing some of
the HBA members would be reluctant to participate.
“ Many builders are intimidated by OSH inspectors,”
Saunders said. “ So you can imagine the reaction when we
announced that we had invited OSH inspectors to a local job
site for training. Hopefully word will spread to other
builders how beneficial the training was, so more will turn
out next year.”
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry also attended the
training session.
“ If we touched one of you sitting here today, then we have
accomplished what we set out to do,” Berry said. “ My job
is to make sure that each of you goes home to your families
at the end of the day.”
On May 10, more than 250 construction workers with
Centex Homes attended safety training at Stone Creek Ranch
subdivision in Charlotte. Centex Homes has partnered with
the labor department to conduct a series of training sessions
for its workers. This was the second session for Centex
workers, and the turnout was impressive. NCDOL trainers
and several trainers from Builders Mutual Insurance Co.
trained workers in English and Spanish on common hazards
associated with residential construction.
“ We want to do everything possible to keep our workers
safe,” said Steve Suttles, director of construction for Centex
Homes. “ It’s obviously important when a company like
Centex is willing to close down production for a whole day
to train. I personally have had to make that dreaded phone
call to family members letting them know that their son or
husband won’t be coming home again. Hopefully our
efforts here will prevent me from ever having to make that
call again.”
For more information about the department’s mobile
training unit— Labor One— or to schedule a training session,
please contact NCDOL at 1- 800- 625- 2267 or visit the Web
site at www. nclabor. com.
Construction workers gather at a Barlow Brothers Construction site
for safety training in Hickory.
3
Hundreds of Construction Workers Receive Safety Training in
Western North Carolina
Centex workers assemble for safety and health training in Charlotte.
LABOR ONE provides free bilingual training on N. C. worksites!
Call ( 919) 807- 2875 to request LABOR ONE for your employees.
By Steve Sykes
State Plan Coordinator
Fatal Events: On
Feb. 21, 2006, a 53-
year- old man died at a residential construction site after
falling from an aluminum extension ladder.
Investigation Findings: The victim was
on a 20- foot extension ladder installing vinyl
siding on the rear of the house. He was at a
height of about 14 feet, 7 inches. The bottom
of the ladder was 8 feet from the building
structure. The day of the accident was the
employee’s first day of re- employment with
the employer, whom he had worked for pre-viously.
Investigators learned that the victim
had previous problems with blacking out and
dizzy spells but could not confirm that health
problems were a contributing factor to the
accident. The N. C. Department of Labor was
not made aware of the fatal event until April 10,
nearly two months after the accident occurred.
Discussion: Construction continues to be the most danger-ous
industry for workers, and falls are the leading cause of
death on construction sites. In fiscal year 2006, 29 employees
were killed in the construction industry, and 14 of these deaths
were from falls. Any work- related death or the in- patient hos-pitalization
of three or more employees must be reported to
the NCDOL within eight hours of the event.
Construction industry standard 1926.1053 provides specific
requirements for working on ladders, and these requirements
apply for both commercial and residential construction. In
response to the dangers associated with construction work,
NCDOL has designated this activity as an area of special
emphasis. Special emphasis program areas include consultative
services, training and compliance inspections.
Falls are the leading cause of death on con-struction
sites and are also the leading cause
of death at home. Many accidents occur when
homeowners clean their gutters. Homeowners
should take care if they decide to clean their
own gutters. Professional assistance may be a
better choice.
Falls from any level can kill anyone, any
time, any place. Take care.
Recommendations:
Provide training related to the hazards
associated with use of ladders.
Retrain as conditions dictate, such as in
the case of an employee who has been
away from the job for a period of time.
Conduct a hazard assessment to determine
the safest means to work from heights. When employees
are required to use their hands, an aerial lift or scaffold
with safety railings may be a safer means of working from
heights than a ladder.
Place ladders on a firm and level surface and positioned
so that the distance from the bottom of the ladder to the
wall is one quarter of the working length or a 4 to 1 ratio.
Never use metal or conductive ladders near energized
lines.
4
Q: If an employee is terminated
or he quits, when is the employer
required to pay the employee the
final wages due?
A: If an employee is dismissed
for any reason, either voluntarily
or involuntarily, then the employer
must pay all wages due on or
before the next regular payday.
The pay may be distributed through the regular pay channels
or by mail, if requested by the employee.
Wages based on bonuses, commissions or other forms of
calculation must be paid on the first regular payday after the
sum becomes calculable when a separation occurs. Such wages
may not be forfeited unless the employee has been notified of
an employer’s policy or practice that results in forfeiture.
Employees who are not notified are not subject to such loss or
forfeiture.
If an employee requests that the employer mail his or her
final paycheck, the employer must mail the paycheck to the
employee at the employer’s expense. Employers may not
withhold a final paycheck because the employee refuses to
pick up the paycheck. The employer may require the employee
to provide a notarized or witnessed written request for the
mailing of the final paycheck.
An employer owes the wages due until the employee
receives the final paycheck. If the check is dishonored by the
financial institution against which it is drawn, then the
employer’s obligation to pay the wages remains.
Q: Can a teen work at any job in North Carolina or are
there restrictions?
A: Both federal and state labor laws establish job restric-tions
for workers under the age of 18. There are currently 17
hazardous occupations and nine detrimental occupations in
which youth either are not allowed to work or are partially
banned from working.
Before beginning work, youth employment laws require
anyone under age 18 to have a youth employment certificate.
Youths age 16 or older can perform any job that is not
hazardous or detrimental. Rules for 14- and 15- year- olds are more
restrictive. A complete list of restricted occupations and youth
employment rules can be found on the NCDOLWeb site.
The youth employment laws are meant to protect the health,
safety and well- being of youths. The U. S. Department of
Labor recently launched a campaign to increase awareness of
teen job safety. The Teen Summer Job Safety Web site
( www. osha. gov/ SLTC/ teenworkers/) offers safety and health
information for teens, employers and parents.
Safe methods should be developed when
working above ground.
5
By Heather Crews
Public Information Officer
A 20- year- old vertical air tank failed in April after poor
maintenance, according to an investigation by the N. C.
Department of Labor Boiler Safety Bureau.
An investigator with the Boiler Safety Bureau
performed ultrasonic thickness testing on various areas of
the vessel after the incident and found that the vessel’s
thickness had been reduced by 44 percent, which
contributed to the failure.
Air tanks compress ambient air, along with the moisture
present on any given day. The moisture can cause tanks
to corrode internally. The corrosion, in turn, causes the
metal tank to thin. In this case, the thin metal could not
hold the pressure and eventually tore along the weld
seam, causing the rupture.
Boiler safety officials say that air tanks should be
drained of any moisture at least twice a week— and more
often during the summer due to the humidity in the air—
as a preventive measure against failure.
Lack of Maintenance Causes Air Tank Failure
By Heather Crews
Public Information Officer
The Wilmington area’s largest safety exposition is sched-uled
for July 26– 27 at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside.
The 57th Annual Wilmington Regional Safety and Health
School covers topics such as contractor safety and liability,
drug testing and smoking bans in the workplace, radiation
safety, ergonomics, and homeland security. The theme for
this year’s school is “ Safety Beyond the Numbers.”
Keynote speaker Jeff Beatty will discuss homeland security
and terrorism. State Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry and
Buck Lattimore, chairman of the state Industrial Commission,
will also speak at the school.
The safety school grants 10 credit hours toward the Manager
of Environmental Safety and Health ( MESH) Certificate, a
program designed for individuals with environmental or
safety responsibilities who wish to improve their practical
knowledge while earning valuable credentials. The certificate
is awarded after completion of 30 hours of core courses and
70 elective hours.
The cost is $ 175 before July 11 and $ 215 after that date.
To register, visit www. wilmingtonsafetyschool. com.
Wilmington Safety School Scheduled in July
The new bilingual
Agricultural Safety
and Health Guide
is now available!
Contact our Agricultural Safety and
Health Bureau at ( 919) 807- 2923
to order yours and request a copy of
our FREE Gold Star Grower newsletter:
Advice for agricultural
workers in North Carolina
Consejos para los
trabajadores agrícolas
en Carolina del Norte
Agricultural Safety
and Health Guide
Cherie Berry
Commissioner of Labor, Comisionada del Trabajo
Guía de Seguridad y Salud Agraria
Click here for more information
on the Gold Star Grower program.
6
Carolina Star Conference
Oct. 3- 5
Greensboro
Visit www. carolinastar. org for more information.
New Workshop Series
Workshops are currently scheduled in the
following topics:
Keep your co- workers safe and informed
with a FREE Ledger subscription!
www. nclabor. com/ news/ ledgersubs. htm
10- Hour General Industry
Workshops
July 10- 11
Mutual Building, Durham
Contact Donna Matheson at ( 919) 686- 3448.
$ 20 registration fee
Aug. 15- 16
Plantation Estates, Matthews
Contact Paul Myers at ( 704) 845- 5900, Ext. 305.
Big 4 Construction Hazards
Bloodborne Pathogens
Electrical
Excavation and Trenching
Fall Protection
Hazard Communication
Heat Stress
Industrial Ergonomics
Introduction to OSH
Lockout/ Tagout
Machine Guarding
Occupational Noise
Recordkeeping
Scaffolding
Visit the NCDOL Calendar at www. nclabor. com
All links are active in the Ledger! for dates and locations.
Part 46 New Miner/
Experienced Miner Training
July 23 and Aug. 20
Part 46 Annual Refresher
July 26 and Aug. 23
All miner and refresher training will take place at the
Hanson Training Center in Wake Forest.
To register, call ( 919) 807- 2790.

By Heather Crews
Public Information Officer
The N. C. Department of Labor recently
formalized a partnership with Carowinds
as part of its continuing efforts to promote
rider safety at fairs and theme parks across
the state.
Carowinds now joins Ghost Town in the
Sky and Wet ’ n Wild Emerald Pointe as the
only permanent theme parks in North
Carolina participating in the NCDOL rider
safety program.
“ The safety of our employees and guests
is our top priority at Carowinds,” said
Carowinds general manager John Shanrock.
“ We’re very happy to be able to partner with
NCDOL to reinforce our ride guidelines so
that visitors can safely and responsibly
enjoy the attractions at our park.”
As part of the agreement, Carowinds will post rider safety
tip signs throughout the park and pass out safety tip book-marks
to park patrons. NCDOL also participated in Education
Days— a series of days where school groups come to the
park— and distributed bookmarks to schoolchildren, teachers
and parents.
Carowinds, which lies on a 108- acre plot along the border
of North Carolina and South Carolina, features 49 amusement
rides. Inspectors with the NCDOL Elevator and Amusement
Device Bureau check the rides in North Carolina yearly for
mechanical and structural integrity. The bureau also conducts
operational inspections about once a month to ensure ride
operators are following correct procedures.
The leading cause of ride accidents is rider misconduct, an
area unregulated by NCDOL. However, because the depart-ment
is concerned about ride accidents,
NCDOL started the rider safety program
three years ago to heighten safety awareness
and reduce injuries caused by rider error.
“ Our rider safety program has been a
big success since it was launched three
years ago,” said Jonathan Brooks, chief of
the Elevator and Amusement Device
Bureau. “ Carowinds is a large theme park,
and I think participating in the program will
really increase safety awareness among
park visitors.”
Park visitors should review the following
safety tips before enjoying the rides.
Keep long hair tied back or put up
before boarding.
Do not sit, stand or climb on handrails
or fences.
Walk. Do not run through the park.
Obey all warning signs and instructions before boarding.
Remain seated with hands, arms and feet inside at all
times while riding.
Check for proper height before boarding.
Ensure a responsible person is riding with children
wherever required.
Check that your seat restraints are properly secured.
Keep an eye on younger children at all times and do not
leave them unattended.
If you have any questions, ask a ride operator before
boarding.
Have a planned place to meet if you become separated
from your party. Tell your children to find a security
officer or park employee if they cannot find you.
NC Labor
Carowinds Joins Rider Safety Program
LEDGER May/ June 2007
Students enjoy a ride on The Hurler at Carowinds
as part of Education Days. The labor department
provided safety information to park patrons as part
of its efforts to increase awareness of rider safety.
Pocket- size Safety Quick Cards
are now available on a variety of topics!
Contact our Education, Training and Technical Assistance Bureau
at ( 919) 807- 2875 to order yours.
Inside this edition:
Construction Workers Receive Safety Training page 3
Workplace Worries page 4
Deadly Mistakes page 4
Wilmington Safety School Scheduled in July page 5
Lack of Maintenance Causes Air Tank Failure page 5
Bulletin Board page 6
2
From
Commissioner
Cherie Berry
Cherie Berry
Commissioner
Editor .......................................... Heather Crews
Layout and Design ............................ Jeff Wilson
Publications Bureau Chief ............ Mike Daniels
1101 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699- 1101
1- 800- 625- 2267 • www. nclabor. com
Recognition Roundup is a new column that recognizes businesses
that qualify for one of the N. C. Department of Labor recognition
programs. Congratulations to all of the award recipients during
March and April.
Recognition Roundup
Warm weather is finally here. I know we are all looking
forward to the pool, beach and cookouts this summer.
But while I’m excited about the fun summer activities,
I am also thinking about the workers who will be out
working in the heat. It’s not just farm workers, but
construction and manufacturing workers who are going
to be working in high temperatures this summer.
Seven workers died in the past two years from heat
stress. I don’t want another worker to die this year.
Heat stress is preventable if you know what to look for.
I encourage every worker and employer to go to our Web
site, www. nclabor. com, and read about the symptoms of
heat stress. If you are familiar with the symptoms, you will
know how to respond quickly and hopefully save a life.
We have a poster on the site in English and Spanish
that details the symptoms and what to do if someone is
suffering from heat stress. We also have an industry
guide, A Guide to Preventing Heat Stress, available on
the Publications page.
Two NCDOL bureaus— Agricultural Safety and Health
and Education, Training and Technical Assistance— can
help you with questions or training. Give them a call at
1- 800- 625- 2267 if you need assistance. They will be
more than glad to help.
Carolina Star Award
Louisiana Pacific Corp.— Roaring River Hardboard
Plant, Roaring River
Rising Star Award
Eaton Corp., Arden
Preformed Line Products Co., Albemarle
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition
Program ( SHARP) Award
Unilin Flooring, Thomasville
Morton Metalcraft of N. C., Apex
Unilin Flooring, Denton
You can view online the
policies and procedures the
NCDOLOccupational Safety and
Health Division uses to conduct
its work— from how companies
are picked for inspections to how
penalties are decided. These documents— called the Field
Information System— are developed by North Carolina labor officials
or federal employees for use in North Carolina workplaces.
If you’ve ever wondered about the specifics of OSH activities,
visit www. nclabor. com/ osha/ compliance/ manuals. htm. There you
will find the Operational Procedure Notices ( OPN), which are state-specific
procedures. These documents provide OSH internal policies
and work practice instructions. OPNs now focus on special emphasis
programs, such as construction and long- term care, or temporary
operating procedures. You also will find the Field Operations
Manual ( FOM), which contains permanent operating procedures.
Enjoy a safe
and relaxing summer!
By Dolores Quesenberry
Marketing Director
Hundreds of construction workers in Catawba and
Mecklenburg counties received hands- on safety training
recently as part of the labor department’s initiative to train
construction workers on site.
In Hickory, labor officials worked with the Catawba
County Building Services Division and the Hickory-
Catawba Valley Home Builders Association to bring together
about 50 local construction workers for safety training.
“ I had read about the mobile training unit, and thought it
would be an interesting way to bring construction workers
together for safety training,” said Armin Wallner, chief
building official for Catawba County Building Services. “ I
saw a need in our area for specific training on excavations
for basements because most of the homes in this area
include them. Based on my observations, most of the
builders were not meeting the OSHA standard for this type
of excavation.”
Before calling the Department of Labor, Wallner contacted
Darlene Saunders, executive officer for the Hickory–
Catawba Valley Home Builders Association, to ask if she
would be willing to collaborate with him on this training
initiative.
Saunders agreed to get involved despite knowing some of
the HBA members would be reluctant to participate.
“ Many builders are intimidated by OSH inspectors,”
Saunders said. “ So you can imagine the reaction when we
announced that we had invited OSH inspectors to a local job
site for training. Hopefully word will spread to other
builders how beneficial the training was, so more will turn
out next year.”
Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry also attended the
training session.
“ If we touched one of you sitting here today, then we have
accomplished what we set out to do,” Berry said. “ My job
is to make sure that each of you goes home to your families
at the end of the day.”
On May 10, more than 250 construction workers with
Centex Homes attended safety training at Stone Creek Ranch
subdivision in Charlotte. Centex Homes has partnered with
the labor department to conduct a series of training sessions
for its workers. This was the second session for Centex
workers, and the turnout was impressive. NCDOL trainers
and several trainers from Builders Mutual Insurance Co.
trained workers in English and Spanish on common hazards
associated with residential construction.
“ We want to do everything possible to keep our workers
safe,” said Steve Suttles, director of construction for Centex
Homes. “ It’s obviously important when a company like
Centex is willing to close down production for a whole day
to train. I personally have had to make that dreaded phone
call to family members letting them know that their son or
husband won’t be coming home again. Hopefully our
efforts here will prevent me from ever having to make that
call again.”
For more information about the department’s mobile
training unit— Labor One— or to schedule a training session,
please contact NCDOL at 1- 800- 625- 2267 or visit the Web
site at www. nclabor. com.
Construction workers gather at a Barlow Brothers Construction site
for safety training in Hickory.
3
Hundreds of Construction Workers Receive Safety Training in
Western North Carolina
Centex workers assemble for safety and health training in Charlotte.
LABOR ONE provides free bilingual training on N. C. worksites!
Call ( 919) 807- 2875 to request LABOR ONE for your employees.
By Steve Sykes
State Plan Coordinator
Fatal Events: On
Feb. 21, 2006, a 53-
year- old man died at a residential construction site after
falling from an aluminum extension ladder.
Investigation Findings: The victim was
on a 20- foot extension ladder installing vinyl
siding on the rear of the house. He was at a
height of about 14 feet, 7 inches. The bottom
of the ladder was 8 feet from the building
structure. The day of the accident was the
employee’s first day of re- employment with
the employer, whom he had worked for pre-viously.
Investigators learned that the victim
had previous problems with blacking out and
dizzy spells but could not confirm that health
problems were a contributing factor to the
accident. The N. C. Department of Labor was
not made aware of the fatal event until April 10,
nearly two months after the accident occurred.
Discussion: Construction continues to be the most danger-ous
industry for workers, and falls are the leading cause of
death on construction sites. In fiscal year 2006, 29 employees
were killed in the construction industry, and 14 of these deaths
were from falls. Any work- related death or the in- patient hos-pitalization
of three or more employees must be reported to
the NCDOL within eight hours of the event.
Construction industry standard 1926.1053 provides specific
requirements for working on ladders, and these requirements
apply for both commercial and residential construction. In
response to the dangers associated with construction work,
NCDOL has designated this activity as an area of special
emphasis. Special emphasis program areas include consultative
services, training and compliance inspections.
Falls are the leading cause of death on con-struction
sites and are also the leading cause
of death at home. Many accidents occur when
homeowners clean their gutters. Homeowners
should take care if they decide to clean their
own gutters. Professional assistance may be a
better choice.
Falls from any level can kill anyone, any
time, any place. Take care.
Recommendations:
Provide training related to the hazards
associated with use of ladders.
Retrain as conditions dictate, such as in
the case of an employee who has been
away from the job for a period of time.
Conduct a hazard assessment to determine
the safest means to work from heights. When employees
are required to use their hands, an aerial lift or scaffold
with safety railings may be a safer means of working from
heights than a ladder.
Place ladders on a firm and level surface and positioned
so that the distance from the bottom of the ladder to the
wall is one quarter of the working length or a 4 to 1 ratio.
Never use metal or conductive ladders near energized
lines.
4
Q: If an employee is terminated
or he quits, when is the employer
required to pay the employee the
final wages due?
A: If an employee is dismissed
for any reason, either voluntarily
or involuntarily, then the employer
must pay all wages due on or
before the next regular payday.
The pay may be distributed through the regular pay channels
or by mail, if requested by the employee.
Wages based on bonuses, commissions or other forms of
calculation must be paid on the first regular payday after the
sum becomes calculable when a separation occurs. Such wages
may not be forfeited unless the employee has been notified of
an employer’s policy or practice that results in forfeiture.
Employees who are not notified are not subject to such loss or
forfeiture.
If an employee requests that the employer mail his or her
final paycheck, the employer must mail the paycheck to the
employee at the employer’s expense. Employers may not
withhold a final paycheck because the employee refuses to
pick up the paycheck. The employer may require the employee
to provide a notarized or witnessed written request for the
mailing of the final paycheck.
An employer owes the wages due until the employee
receives the final paycheck. If the check is dishonored by the
financial institution against which it is drawn, then the
employer’s obligation to pay the wages remains.
Q: Can a teen work at any job in North Carolina or are
there restrictions?
A: Both federal and state labor laws establish job restric-tions
for workers under the age of 18. There are currently 17
hazardous occupations and nine detrimental occupations in
which youth either are not allowed to work or are partially
banned from working.
Before beginning work, youth employment laws require
anyone under age 18 to have a youth employment certificate.
Youths age 16 or older can perform any job that is not
hazardous or detrimental. Rules for 14- and 15- year- olds are more
restrictive. A complete list of restricted occupations and youth
employment rules can be found on the NCDOLWeb site.
The youth employment laws are meant to protect the health,
safety and well- being of youths. The U. S. Department of
Labor recently launched a campaign to increase awareness of
teen job safety. The Teen Summer Job Safety Web site
( www. osha. gov/ SLTC/ teenworkers/) offers safety and health
information for teens, employers and parents.
Safe methods should be developed when
working above ground.
5
By Heather Crews
Public Information Officer
A 20- year- old vertical air tank failed in April after poor
maintenance, according to an investigation by the N. C.
Department of Labor Boiler Safety Bureau.
An investigator with the Boiler Safety Bureau
performed ultrasonic thickness testing on various areas of
the vessel after the incident and found that the vessel’s
thickness had been reduced by 44 percent, which
contributed to the failure.
Air tanks compress ambient air, along with the moisture
present on any given day. The moisture can cause tanks
to corrode internally. The corrosion, in turn, causes the
metal tank to thin. In this case, the thin metal could not
hold the pressure and eventually tore along the weld
seam, causing the rupture.
Boiler safety officials say that air tanks should be
drained of any moisture at least twice a week— and more
often during the summer due to the humidity in the air—
as a preventive measure against failure.
Lack of Maintenance Causes Air Tank Failure
By Heather Crews
Public Information Officer
The Wilmington area’s largest safety exposition is sched-uled
for July 26– 27 at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside.
The 57th Annual Wilmington Regional Safety and Health
School covers topics such as contractor safety and liability,
drug testing and smoking bans in the workplace, radiation
safety, ergonomics, and homeland security. The theme for
this year’s school is “ Safety Beyond the Numbers.”
Keynote speaker Jeff Beatty will discuss homeland security
and terrorism. State Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry and
Buck Lattimore, chairman of the state Industrial Commission,
will also speak at the school.
The safety school grants 10 credit hours toward the Manager
of Environmental Safety and Health ( MESH) Certificate, a
program designed for individuals with environmental or
safety responsibilities who wish to improve their practical
knowledge while earning valuable credentials. The certificate
is awarded after completion of 30 hours of core courses and
70 elective hours.
The cost is $ 175 before July 11 and $ 215 after that date.
To register, visit www. wilmingtonsafetyschool. com.
Wilmington Safety School Scheduled in July
The new bilingual
Agricultural Safety
and Health Guide
is now available!
Contact our Agricultural Safety and
Health Bureau at ( 919) 807- 2923
to order yours and request a copy of
our FREE Gold Star Grower newsletter:
Advice for agricultural
workers in North Carolina
Consejos para los
trabajadores agrícolas
en Carolina del Norte
Agricultural Safety
and Health Guide
Cherie Berry
Commissioner of Labor, Comisionada del Trabajo
Guía de Seguridad y Salud Agraria
Click here for more information
on the Gold Star Grower program.
6
Carolina Star Conference
Oct. 3- 5
Greensboro
Visit www. carolinastar. org for more information.
New Workshop Series
Workshops are currently scheduled in the
following topics:
Keep your co- workers safe and informed
with a FREE Ledger subscription!
www. nclabor. com/ news/ ledgersubs. htm
10- Hour General Industry
Workshops
July 10- 11
Mutual Building, Durham
Contact Donna Matheson at ( 919) 686- 3448.
$ 20 registration fee
Aug. 15- 16
Plantation Estates, Matthews
Contact Paul Myers at ( 704) 845- 5900, Ext. 305.
Big 4 Construction Hazards
Bloodborne Pathogens
Electrical
Excavation and Trenching
Fall Protection
Hazard Communication
Heat Stress
Industrial Ergonomics
Introduction to OSH
Lockout/ Tagout
Machine Guarding
Occupational Noise
Recordkeeping
Scaffolding
Visit the NCDOL Calendar at www. nclabor. com
All links are active in the Ledger! for dates and locations.
Part 46 New Miner/
Experienced Miner Training
July 23 and Aug. 20
Part 46 Annual Refresher
July 26 and Aug. 23
All miner and refresher training will take place at the
Hanson Training Center in Wake Forest.
To register, call ( 919) 807- 2790.